David George Peterson, 79

David George Peterson, 79, of White Lake WI passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, August 20, 2019 under the care of family and LeRoyer Hospice at Eastview in Antigo.

Dave was born March 13, 1940 in Antigo, to Harry Peterson and Audrey (Streich) Peterson. Dave was raised in White Lake and graduated from White Lake High School in 1958. Dave was united in marriage to Judith Hafemeister on December 10, 1964 in Antigo.

Dave is survived by his wife, Judy; sister in law Shirley Peterson; nephew, Michael Peterson (Mary); nieces, Sheila (Dan) Krainz, Kathy Hill Peterson and great nephews and niece. He is further survived by three sister in laws; Karen Bornfleth, Lois (Allen) Smith, Sue Hafemeister and 2 brother in laws, Peter (Sandie) Hafemeister and Gary (Marla) Hafemeister along with many nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, brother, James Don, his in laws, Arno and Violet Hafemeister, and brother in law, Arne Hafemeister.

Dave retired from the U.S. Navy serving from 1959 to 1979. During his service career, he was in Iceland, served in Operation Deep Freeze wintering over at the South Pole in 1962-63 and 1967-68. He continued going to Antarctica as part of Deep Freeze Summer Support from 1970 to 1975 traveling to many outlying Antarctic stations. As an electronics technician, he used his electronic and mechanical skills to maintain radio and communications equipment and antennas for scientists in the field and at the outlying stations. In addition, he served on the U.S. Protector and U.S. Cadmus, and at satellite tracking station in Rosemount MN. His last duty station was the Naval Reserve Facility in Stevens Point WI. He was a ham radio operator with WB9IAX call sign.

After returning to Wisconsin in 1976, Dave and Judy became weekend residents for 30 years at their cabin outside of White Lake.

Dave operated a saw sharpening business in Plover WI for over 25 years before retiring to White Lake in 2006.

Dave was a man of many passions and interests: snowmobiling, motorcycling, photography (especially water falls), pit crewing for several stock car racers, cross country and downhill skiing, ham radio, backpacking and hiking, fishing, sailing, canoeing and kayaking along with Wednesday night cribbage. In addition he was passionate about saving the history of the White Lake area.

Dave was current President of the Langlade County Ski Club (Kettlebowl Ski Hill). He spent many hours grooming the hill, which he loved to do, was quite particular about and wanted the hill to be in tip top condition each day it was open. He performed the equipment and facility maintenance duties along with other many activities. As President of the Langlade County Snowmobile Council, Vice President of the Lily Sno Birds Snowmobile Club, and the Langlade County Director to the Assn of WI Snowmobile Clubs, he assisted in coordinating the annual Langlade County Snowmobile Ride In event, rides with the AWSC KAOS group and the WI Chapter of MS rides in the County. He was an advocate for safe snowmobile trails working with the county clubs on routing, signing and trail conditions.

In addition, he served on the Boards of the White Lake Area Historical Society and Lily Sno Birds Club, volunteered at many snowmobile club, historical society and community events. David and Judy were involved from the beginning of the White Lake Historical Society’s project to save the Soo Line Depot in 1995. He was an active WLAHS volunteer assisting in the refurbishing of the Depot and the building of the Historical Center and other buildings. On August 18, 2019, he and his wife, Judy, were honored by many family and friends as White Lake “Citizens of the Year “. He was known to be generous with his time and a willingness to assist people without need for any reward.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at the Strasser-Roller Funeral Home in Antigo with Pastor Marvin Kindle officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4:00 PM until 7:00PM at the funeral home and on Wednesday form 9:30AM until the service. The American Legion Post # 524 of White Lake will stand honor guard during the visitation and will also perform military rites following the service at the funeral home on Wednesday. Celebration of David’s life will continue following the service with a gathering and meal at White Lake Community Center.

Many thanks and gratitude from his wife and family to all the individuals, medical employees, caregivers, neighbors and friends along with extended family that have shared their concerns, support, expressions of kindness and assisted Dave during his illness and challenges during the last four months. Special appreciation to Volm Cancer Center, LeRoyer Hospice and Eastview Rehab for their care. Even tho, it was a difficult time, we are forever grateful to all who visited Dave, assisted him in many ways and shared their hugs.